Reviews

I enjoyed this being a book that was easy to keep reading. Though I didn’t feel it was something I couldn’t put down, it is not dull and I noted Moreno’s ability to draw me in using thought-provoking imagery which adds to the mystery and darkness that looms over its characters in several different settings. There are moments of hope that are previously built-up only to be quickly snatched away in a roller-coaster ride of emotions, which I applaud as they force the reader to relate to the central character through shared states of confusion and angst. Yet, this fast-paced nature seems to also be the crux by which the story falls flat. The suddenness of truly odd circumstances, paired with supernatural and mysterious elements that seem to be fighting hard to reveal some deeper meaning, ultimately fail to deliver a cohesive and resolved end to this still relatively-fun and thoughtful horror piece.

old_oak_owl's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Wow, this one turned out to be a mixed bag!
When it came to the emotional arc of the story - exploration of grief, reexamination of past regrets and trying to live on having lost all purpose in life - this book definitely succeeded, 5 stars! I loved the characters, I found the relationship between widower Thiago and Diane, his mother-in-law, so interesting, the way they bonded in their grief was fascinating to watch.
However when it came down to plot, it was more of 2 stars? I liked the first 50% of the story, however the second half was confusing, unfinished, vague and felt like too much and not enough information was thrown at you at the same time.
Overall, I loved the writing, want to pick up the next work from this author, however I hope that the plot will be more refined with the next book.

Content Warnings

senquezada29's review against another edition

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3.0

I wanted to explore more horror and grief that comes with the loss of a loved one while also supporting a BIPOC author. This book certainly made you feel with intensity the grief, guilt, pain, and depression that the main character Thiago experiences after losing his wife. As the book added on an element of horror with unexplainable, supernatural, and just creepy occurrences that all seemed to toy with his emotions and sanity, his grief seemed to become more and more overwhelming. I enjoyed the book not so much because I appreciated the story, but more because I just wanted to see WTF was gonna happen and wanted answers. The ending was very vague and left a lot of unanswered questions, leaving a lot open for interpretation, and I still don't know if I like those kinds of books or not. There are also some major trigger warnings if you're sensitive to gore and violence involving animals. But, I'd recommend, especially if you've just lost someone. That made this hit all that much more harder.